L'BRARY OF CONGRF« 

lillllllf 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf. #&~— 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




CHICAGO, U.S. A. 



Ws//l PRICE, TEN GENTS. 




THE DREAM 



OF 



Chicago Oegier's Clean City 



OR, 



A Full Account of the World's Fair 



AT 



CHICAGO, TJ. S. A. 




CHICAGO: 

1889. 



Copyrighted, 1889, by A. Brown, 
Chicago. 



S 






i 



PREFACE. 

A Rheumatic Invalid, prostrated on his couch, yet 
mentally eager for mind-food, seeks to divert his 
weary gaze and attention from surroundings obnoxious 
by reason of their continuity, in sleep. His efforts 
are at last rewarded, resulting in the contents of this 
book. 

The manuscript of this remarkable narrative laid 
dormant for six weeks. The party entrusted there- 
with treated it as "unimportant," not from careless 
disregard of the interests of his afflicted friend, but 
because, being a novice in pushing to the front any- 
thing of this nature, he failed to realize its good 
points, that had their origin in and from this unfor- 
tunate individual. 

We state this to show that any similar published 

ideas in the newspapers of the country (and there 

have been some) were not gained from this narrative, 

or "vice versa" between- the time of writing the 

Dream and its publication. 

JUSTITIA. 

Chicago, Aug. 11, 1889. 



u 



IT WAS A DREAM:" 

OR, 

How the World's Fair Came Off in Chicago. 



INTRODUCTION. 

"Nothing else, thank you! Feel sleepy, and shall 
soon go to sleep." And so was ended another weary, 
restless day of inactivity. 

These were the words of one whose days had been 
as monotonous as the pods of peas on the same stalk. 
He bade his WATCHER farewell for the night, with- 
out presentiment of any unusual results arising from it. 
His had been a rheumatiG disorder of eleven months' 
duration; had been skillfully handled, and operated 



6 THE GREAT DREAM 

on, till, from a perfectly useless cripple, he was able, 
during the day, to walk around a little, and amuse 
himself. 

The disease had been confined to the limbs, so that, 
except in sharp changes of the weather and sympa- 
thetic spells, the rest of his organism, the body 
and head, with their faculties, were in very good 
condition; consequently he was always eager for news 
and the papers, and to converse with anyone and in 
fact, to get anything that would help pass the time. 

He had, of course, heard of and read of the 
WORLD'S FAIR, and was angry, whenever it was 
mentioned that it would go elsewhere than Chicago. 
He had several bets on the location, to the tune of a 
suit of clothes, two hats, one pair of boots, a year's 
subscription to the DAILY NEWS and THE TRIB- 
UNE newspapers; they being the best in his opin- 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 7 

ion of any papers printed in the country; and innu- 
merable boxes of cigars, and lots of things. He says: 

"I picked on the best, because, knowing that the 
Fair was a sure thing, why, of course, I wanted the 
best and most useful things to be had; and I can 
start in the cigar line, when I get away from my 
prison." 

Well, he would stand by Chicago every time and all 
the time; he would say: 

"Here is where the healthy man can thrive; here 
is where the medical skill is and there will be 
lots of poor fellows hurt in and around the 
World's Fair while building it, while it is run- 
ning and on exhibition, and then finally during 
the straightening up of things after it is over; and 
they will have to have medical care, and here is where 
they can get the best, and have it given to them." 



8 •THE GREAT DREAM 

He had a long string of arguments, very convinc- 
ing, in favor of Chicago; but nothing like what ap- 
peared to burst forth on the following morning. He 
did not say much, but wanted writing materials; and 
he did nothing but write for five or six days; and so 
it turned out to be a faithful account of "How the 
World's Fair Had Come Off" in his sleepy imagina- 
tion. He had witnessed the success, which proved to 
be good medicine for him; and it is hoped it will be 
interesting to THE PUBLIC, as some ideas are very 
unique and original: 

AND HERE THEY ARE. 

It seemed to have been a foregone conclusion and 
taken naturally, that, as Chicago, Cook county, Illi- 
nois, U. S. A., was the "Kernel," so to speak of the 
North American Continent and enterprise, there 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 9 

only could a celebration, such as became an anniver- 
sary, be held, and sustained in proper form and di- 
mensions, to the credit of her country and people. 
And as Mayor Cregier had undertaken to quietly take 
the bearings in and around the most momentous de- 
tails pointing towards the making up of the official 
program, and had come off full of encouragement, the 
debate was ended; Chicago was the place, and the ar- 
arrangements began. 

Letters were received in answer to invitations sent 
by Mayor Cregier to Queen Isabella of Spain, and 
Christopher Columbus, Esq., saying that the May- 
flower would be put in order at once, and would ar- 
rive in Chicago on the evening of April 28, 1892. 
Now watch the Mayor and his army of subordinates. 

All branches were summoned to the apartments of 
authority and were shown the gratifying letter, as am 



10 THE GREAT DREAM 

incentive and motive for every individual to exert to 
the utmost, his influence toward making it a success; 
and a unanimous "Amen!" was the response. Says 
the Mayor: 

"My men, the papers ask: 'How are we going to 
eclipse the Eiffel Tower?' To copy her, I say, would 
be disrespectful and un-American-like, even with a 
tower to the moon, would it not?" 

"Yes, you bet," came from all sides. 

"Well, I have it. I intend to carry a scheme so 
novel that all will be surprised; all will come to see 
it, and one that the fame thereof will go down to pos- 
terity with acclamation, and make Chicago known to 
the ends of the earth!" [Hoorah! and applause.] 

"The gist or key to this gigantic scheme is 
"PURIFY!" a word of six letters, and affects all in 
the city — Mayor, Commissioners, Police-Inspector, 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 11 

Sergeants Constables, Councilmen, Lawyers, Busi- 
ness Men, Bankers, Owners of Theaters, Institu- 
tions, Priests, Deacons, and all Church Work- 
ers, Professional Men and every Mechanic 
and Laborer inside the limits of this great 
and dear city; and last but not least, every Saloon- 
keeper, Brewer and Distiller. Never was there offered 
to this or any other generation such an opportunity to 
gain back a lost reputation, and to show to the 
world what can be done by the strength of United 
numbers, and the blending of the good-will of the 
forces that go towards the making up of a great city 
composed, as this is, of all sects, creeds and na- 
tions; that, to let such a chance slip by without 
grasping it, would be to invite eternal regret, never 
to be cured; for no remedy could be found. I intend 
to have CITY REFORM and Chicago the MODEL. 



IS THE 

fi>- • lately ; 

the o S man, 

pointing at the Maj - on th< 

"And i i day,- 1 

continued his Honor, "i 

Lmark for the W( >RL1 >." 

II< 
of tL aen and lilmen, I tok o( 

ope beii igb, but 

it. 

"Our Reward,' 1 brill be m 

dollars and 

; an i uqv i ET 
l ) A V in the bargain. 

tncU.] \Y\\ would the Fn 

alon ictlv 



AND ITS SOI 13 

Why, they would sipnply shout, 'Magnifique!' 
the 'Mirabtle DictuV would be heard all around. 
And they will be over here by the thousands. Do 
not deceive yourselves with the idea that the o 
steamer* can bring onlj so many anyhow. All man- 
ner of crafts will then be pressed into service, even 
men-of-war ships will j ly between Europe and Amer- 
and the cry of all nation- will be, 'Still they 
come/ It is going to be, my men. thegi event 

for the gathering ol the Old World to inspect the 
NEW that ever has taken place — or ever will again 
— this exhibition of -May 1, 1892, in Chicago; and 
though coming too closely after the Pan- Exhibition, 
still the oircumsl being wrought out of Anni- 

ry Motives so closely allied with European 
connections of thU ration, will mostly over- 

come that; and this country (or rather, I should mod- 



14 THE GREAT DREAM 

estly say, this municipality and your humble servant)^ 
has a responsibility on her hands, that only a spirit- 
ed community, like Chicago, with a good leader, dare 
face! [Hear! Hear! Deafening applause, and the break- 
ing of a chair by one of the Councilmen.] 

Well may there be blank faces and hesitating confer- 
ences in New York, St. Joseph, and St. Louis; for 
those are the three places, I guess, that you sympa- 
thize with; that is if you have any sympathy. [Not 
a sound.] 

"Dear old Washington!" continued the Mayor> 
"ought to have it, if larger and in better shape. Bat 
her sister by the Northern Sea will see that credit is 
done to the country and her Capitol, to see which, Wash- 
ington will find she has her part to play when the 
visitors arrive and crowd through the Immortal Depot 
made memorable by tragedy — the death of our 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 15 

country's Hero!" [Sobs and tears and applause.] 
"Well, you know what the word "purify" is, and it 
is to be applied to the city of Chicago, so that she 
will be called 'The Three Big C J s City— Clean City 
of Chicago,' and clean she shall be in every sense of 
the term. The River we must get rid of, and we in- 
vite suggestions to that effect. Put everything in 
trim, above and underground, special regard being 
had to see to the water, sewer and gas systems. 

"Close every saloon and place where intoxicants are 
sold and gambling is carried on, from 12 o'clock Sat- 
urday night till 12 o'clock Sunday night. Close all 
theaters and dance halls on Sunday night, unless they 
be occupied, as in the morning, for preaching, or 
good, wholesome speaking, or concert, or oratorio per- 
formances, without costume, to be free to the people 
to give whatever they like to defray running expenses, 



/ 



16 THE GREAT DREAM 

If any, or by a society, which would be better, for 
this aim in view. And here will be a chance for 
some of our Chicago vocalists and elocutionists to 
distinguish themselves, and any young aspirant to 
public oratorship; don't you think so, Councilmen 
and Police?" 

"Yes, sor; good for your Honor!" 

"All newsboys to be off the streets by 1 o'clock on 
Sundays, to enable them to go to special places pro- 
vided by the city, and be washed, fed, and have a good, 
entertaining, edifying amusement or instruction, ac- 
cording to taste. The street cars will have to be reg- 
ulated by the public demand and the owners. The 
railroads, no doubt, will do heavy work in early 
morning by reason of country pleasure-seekers, and 
spontaneous sportsmen, and the like, gQing out of 
town for their Sunday. Other institutions, known 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 17 

to you, my men, will have to be run with the same 
intent ill view; and the extra time you may have 
(the police especially, I mean), by reason of the bet- 
ter order of things, I wish you to devote to the 
solving of the problem now in hand — The success of 
the Fair and Chicago's credit. [Stamping of feet.] 

"You will have your hands full all the time, before 
and after, for our population will increase rapidly. 
The people of the city must be asked to pray for the 
Police and the World's Fair Committee men! We 
must have that horrid little yard in the City Hall 
Precincts turned into a conservatory, and some, at 
least, of the smoke nuisance removed. Some conven- 
iences for pedestrians on the streets at suitable and 
most advantageous points must be constructed, and 
any defective street signatures must be made plain, 
and strict adherence to driving rules shall be 



18 THE GREAT DREAM 

observed. We must tell the citizens that the aim 
must be to attract and please all visitors, as far as 
in their power, and give them the value of their 
patronage. 

"We must have some bureaus of inquiry with all 
supplies and telegraph communications, both manned 
by good attendants; and, my men, remind citizens 
that, as long as they are inside of the City Limits, 
they are all sailing in the same ship, with one object- 
ive point in view — the success of Chicago, in placing 
before the World the biggest undertaking in the best 
shape ever seen or attempted before or since the first 
arrival of the Mayflower. (Act I.) 

"All will be benefitted hugely, and the small, well- 
managed undertaking will, for the amount invested, 
stand muster with the larger one. Hence no jealousy or 
hard feelings can mar a sworn, unanimous resolve." 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 19 

"We will do our best, sor," came from a solitary 
individual in the northeast corner. The rest of the 
force and the council were so lost and amazed at the 
Mayor's zeal that they also lost their speech. 

"I wish to tell you that I shall encourage the 
employment of all home talent and labor. [Hear! 
Hear! all over the house.] 

"No responsible position will be given to any out- 
sider. Well-tried and true citizens of Chicago will 
fill them — such as inspection and quarantine business, 
of passengers and live freight; also of doubtful 
baggage and freight examined for safety. To handle 
the tens of thousands — feed them and sleep them — 
that will be coming and going all the time for seven 
or eight months will be no small undertaking; and if 
done in our own accustomed, dexterous manner, will 
all the more surprise the visitors, as well as please 



20 . THE GREAT DREAM 

them. Trus-t not to proffered help, my men; do it 
and see to it yourselves, is the way for us to succeed. 
And as I can not think of details now, I wish you 
to feel interested; and any little hint or suggestion 
you get, I wish you to hand in, and get all ideas 
condensed, and so get satisfactory results." 

And sure enough they did. The Police, one and 
all, said: 

"Byes, it shan't be our fault if this 'ere thing ain't 
a go!" and the Councilmen were unanimous. 

Well, the evening of the 28th of April, 1892, 
arrived. A messenger appeared before Mayor De- 
Witt Clinton Cregier, from the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road Company to say that a special train was on its 
way to Chicago, with the visitors and their belong- 
ings; was composed of six sleepers, two drawing- 
room cars, one day coach, three baggage cars, and 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 21 

four flat cars, bearing the Mayflower, and would 
arrive at Chicago early in the morning of the 29th 
of April, making the remarkable run from the New 
Jersey Docks, in twenty-two hours; the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company having provided a clear track and 
right-of-way through the whole distance, and had re- 
freshments ready at specified points, to be handed on 
board, without loss of time. This took place where 
the coal and water were needed for the locomotives, 
which were the two finest the company possessed. 
Each was manned by two engineers and two firemen, 
so as not to fatigue them while hauling such precious 
freight. They were the most sober and respected 
servants on the New Jersey and Philadelphia Divis- 
ion, and consequently, were entrusted with this won- 
derful Chicago train. The Mayor, having summoned 
his faithful Secretary, and found that all arrange- 



22 THE GREAT DREAM 

ments in and around the City Hall were in readiness, 
and telling him to inform Chief Hubbard, went to 
bed, knowing the biggest day was ahead of him that 
ever befell the Mayor of any town. 

Well, the time came for the Mayor and Councilmen 
to go to the depot, and meet the visitors, who were 
punctually brought into the gaily-decked station at 
Canal street. The two roaring, hissing monsters 
from New Jersey plainly showed the speed they had 
made, by the disarranging of some of their pretty 
trimmings. The engineers had decked them and the 
coaches very prettily, with the help of the conductors 
and brakemen, and all attendants of the train, who 
were thanked by the visitors through the directors of 
the company, for their attentive and obliging man- 
ners in regard to comfort and safety. 

When all had alighted, the Mayor received them 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 23 

amid deafening cheers and the playing of the bands, 
and led the way to the carriages provided for the 
drive to the City Hall, to be received in State. Elab- 
orate preparations had been made. The usual dingy- 
looking pile was quite gay, and the lovely weather 
crowned all with splendor and beauty. Every build- 
ing was alive with heads straining for a better view. 
The housetops of Clark and Washington streets were 
wonderful sights, and reports had great yarns of fab- 
ulous prices being paid for windows advantageously 
situated for good views of Queen Isabella. Her dress 
presumably being in the neight of fashion, much cur- 
osity was manifested by the fair ones of Chicago. All 
along the route from the depot the same crowded scene 
was witnessed. The emblems, flags of all Nations, 
and the flowers and wreaths, were in profusion, and 
bands stationed at different points, played National 



24 THE GREAT DREAM 

Airs with capital precision. The party arriving were 
received on a raised rostrum, beautifully decorated by 
the ladies' societies of Chicago, in imitation of a 
ship, presumably the Mayflower, and then above it 
a gigantic gilt Book, reached by steps all glittering 
in the sunshine, and great letters on the BOOK read 
f « CREGIER— REFORM— PURIFY." 

Then the QUEEN and CHRISTOPHER COLUM- 
BUS followed the Mayor on the Book, and he ex- 
julained to them hie method of "Home Rule," and the 
great sights around them; and the beaming face of the 
Mayor was reflected on all the buildings and flags! 
Never was there seen anything like that BOOK for 
beauty and design — the Eiffel Tower, notwithstanding 
— and when the Mayor stood on the top of it, great 
was the shout that went up! Of course , there 
was some joking done in the crowd. One said, 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 25 

"Mayor Cregier better go on up now, that his 
work was well done, and his BOOK made the 
distance less!" 

Another said, "He got outside, so that, if the 
cover or leaves closed on him, he would not have 
been shut with the BOOK." Soon the band played, 
"Hail to the Chief of Mayors," and one Old Jed 
Prouty shouted: "Crown him Lord of all!" 

The Queen and Christopher and party wore very 
queer costumes, and wide-brim hats were the rule. 
They were evidently dumb with astonishment; they 
spoke little, but were thinking deeply. The 29th 
of April the evening shadows warned them of the 
time of day, and with immense cheering, and "GOD 
SAVE CREGIER!" the crowd made way for the 
visitors, to go to a model- dwelling, near the Exhibi- 
tion erected on purpose, and every item of the May- 



26 THE GREAT DREAM 

flower furniture, had been brought there, by request of 
Queen Isabella. So each one had his and her own 
belongings, and part of house, and was happy, and 
here they rested all the next day, to be ready for 
the grand opening of the Exhibition on the morning 
of May 1st. 

Great were the preparations on this last day, and 
the finishing touches were being put everywhere. In 
the City great changes were made, and the rules to 
be followed during the Show were commenced on the 
night of the 29th of April; and all through the city 
could be seen frames hung in conspicuous places, to 
that effect; with the regulations and hours in largs 
type. All heavy freight, hauling, removing of garb- 
age and refuse, were to be done at night. The bi- 
cycle men all agreed to keep off the thoroughfares, 
and the electric lights, of which there were enough 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 27 

to make the whole city as light as day were in every 
part. There were devices for keeping off the sand- 
flies and moths, so numerous in summer, as well as disa- 
greeable. There were cages hanging over and around 
the globe, having to one side a fan attached, revolv- 
ing from some secret, suspended agency, and puffing 
a vapor from a censor near (all around the cages), 
that effectually banished the flies, and sent them off to 
St. Louis without injury, or in any way dimming the light. 
This was thought to be a really wonderful scheme; 
and so humane that it quite took with the ladies, 
and made them, one and all, friends of Chicago. 

The smoke of the city was sent out of town, by 
way of immense tubes over tops of houses, having 
slides for air, on all sides for whichever way the 
w T ind was blowing, and not much draught was needed, 
and they worked well. 



28 THE GREAT DREAM 

Arrangements had been made with the harbor men 
and crafts plying on Lake Michigan, not to use the 
River at all. So the bridges were never swung open, 
no crowding of traffic, or accidents from open draws 
occurred, and one and all added another good word 
for the Mayor and Councilmen; and the River, not 
being stirred, was most condescending, and behaved 
very calmly. A preparation of oil, some bark extract, 
and a strong, but pleasant, scent was liberally applied 
early each morning, that gave the water a clearness 
never before seen, and effectually banished all smell 
and germs. This was the scheme hatched from the 
brain of an officer on board of the war-ship, "The 
Rush," while watching for seal-traders in the "Behr- 
ring Sea," and sent as a tribute to Mayor Cregier 
for Chicago's success. 

To overcome the loss of the River for freight pur- 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 29 

poses there were three wharves built out into Lake 
Michigan. Over these traveling cranes hovered of* 
five hundred tons capacity. An elevated railroad ran 
to each of the three wharves, and car after car was 
lowered and raised to be loaded or unloaded with 
olock-like precision, and being of standard gauge, 
they were run on all the railroads of the country, 
and to all the freight-houses, and lumber yards in the 
city, and, wherever convenient, along the track for 
the unloading of the contents, which was done me- 
chanically, according to the nature thereof. Boatmen 
.and longshore-men all began to think it beat the 
River. 

"We will soon have elevated railroads all over the 
City, anyhow," they said, "and this 'ere fixin'! will 
be all the go." 

Two or three of the railroads made connection this 



30 THE GREAT DREAM 

way, to facilitate the handling of their extra freight 
<and traffic, and to keep it out of passenger traffic's 
way, as much as possible. This was a good arrange- 
ment, as passenger's and freight arrived on every 
road from every seaport town on this continent, no- 
tably from New Orleans and Galveston — two ports 
that introduced fully as many visitors from Europe 
to American soil as did New York — plainly showing 
what a delusion had taken hold of the World at 
large, as to the one and only entree to and in Amer- 
ica! and that, figuratively speaking, the "Frontis- 
piece " of the Book was all there was in it. They 
found more Fronts than one, and that the interior or 
center-page held the Key to the Mystery. Its name 
loas Chicago. 

The stocks laid in by the provision houses were 
simply fabulous; as large as the usual stocks 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 31 

are they were out clone now. All the hotels 
had enlarged ice-chests and rooms which were 
: ; being constantly re-filled; and it seemed that there was 
always a lot of hungry guests. Never were the cows 
of Illinois stripped so assiduously for the creamy last 
drops, or the hens fed so much egg-producing food; 
and the asses and goats all had to yield their contri- 
butions, there being many of the tribes who show par- 
tiality for these beverages within the city's gates. 
The special train loads of live mutton, veal, beef, pork 
and poultry, that rolled towards the great center of the 
earth, that Chicago had become for the year 1892, 
was beyond credulity; and the dead and dressed wild 
meats, game and feather fowl were wonderful ! 

In most cases "tobacco juice" was all that could 
be employed to show the feeling of bewilderment on the 
part of the men. The other sex used a handkerchief, 



32 THE GREAT DREAM 

or the hand, to shield the eye for a moment of re- 
flection, to say, 

"Can it be real? Am I dreaming?" But . no — 
there it was, and these words at last found vent from 
all: 

"Wonderful! What a country! What a vastness 
of plenty! and how well controlled!" 

There was the horse flesh, the bear, the rat, fresh 
frog; in fact, the fish of the sea, the birds of the 
air, and the flesh of the land, were all there in form 
and condition, that only the skilled professors of 
Chicago knew how to bring to perfection. To facili- 
tate all this, special contracts had been made a year 
ahead, and special places for slaughtering and recep- 
tion of cargos, had been built at convenient j>oints 
for trains and for visitors to inspect; and every place 
was well managed, so that nothing suffered or dete- 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 33 

riorated. Inspectors were constantly on the alert, and 
sanitary men had hardly anything to do, but explain 
and show to visitors; produce of all kinds was plen- 
tiful and cheap; everything was fed, comfortable, and 
clean. 

The fire laddies had their programs learned by 
heart. Many of the fire stations were very prettily 
decorated with flowers and bunting, and the fire helm- 
ets were charged and lit with electric lights — some- 
thing quite new to the World at large. 

Well, the morning of the 1st of May began to 
dawn. People were stirring early; indeed, thousands 
never went to bed at all. Many were putting up 
stands for viewing the opening of the gates. One 
gigantic stand that seated 35,000 people was the in- 
vestment of a fat-faced Mormon of Salt Lake City; 
and his beaming countenance was sufficient to con- 



34 THE GREAT DREAM 

vince one of his success, and the little Mormons 
were promised a trip to see the gates "that led to 
Zion," as he expressed it. He had reserved seats for 
a few select friends, and his taste being of that broad 
type, it was interesting to note who they were — Mr. 
Gladstone and Adelina Patti." This lady had once 
sung in the noble Temple at Salt Lake City, the only 
prima donna that had ever been so honored; the Shah 
of Persia and Mrs. Hodgson Burnett; the Sioux Chief,, 
Sitting Bull, and Sara Barnhardt. 

The mormon had once seen a picture of the latter, 
and wished to see the original. Here were the Pope 
of Rome, Mr. Booth, Mr. Powderly, Professor Huxley, 
Francis Murphy, Governor Stanley of Canada, Gov. 
Lowry, J. L. Sullivan, Prof. Swing and Gen. Bou- 
1 anger. 

All the space in this immense stand had been 



AND ITS SOLUTION 35 

full except the reserved seats, since noon of the day 
before! but fortunately the weather was mild and 
beautifully fine and some venders of eatables made 
young fortunes all night. One man cleaned fifty dollars 
out of sandwiches (that had once h^^cl the choice 
morsel, but it having slipped out, left nothing but 
the fragrance!), and a go-as-you-please clipper of pure 
Lake Michigan. The number of balconies and stands 
erected was a sight in itself, and an example of the 
exhaustive nature of our pineries, and they had all 
been tested by order of the Government, and were 
found the most substantially built of any private 
enterprise of the kind ever before officially examined. 
So there was no fear, no calamity to chronicle; and 
all was good-will. 

At one side of the gates" was the "MAYFLOWER" 
all decked and trimmed and dazzling in the sunshine^ 



36 THE GREAT DREAM 

yet it was very prim. The Queen sat on the deck 
and Christopher Columbus by her side, holding a long 
telescope; and the look-out men were similarly 
occupied. 

On the other side, on a raised stand, superbly dec- 
orated, was the President and family, with all the 
dignitaries from Washington — Embassadors, etc., and 
a few Crowned Heads from Europe. 

Then his Worship the Mayor and his Councilmen, 
and all the City Dignitaries arrived and, alighting 
from their carriages, stood before the gate. The 
entrance to the grounds was a magnificent iron 
structure never to be forgotten on account of its 
beauty, design, and massiveness, and it swung to the 
touch of an electric bell, folding, like a book, and 
maintaining itself in perfect order, as though agencies 
were in each leaf and fold; and the dazzling brilliancy 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 37 

of the clasp and edges could not be imagined, but 
must be seen. 

Here was the Mayor's TALISMAN, in all its inten- 
sity, the magic letters again blazing forth, "CREGIER — 
"REFORM — PURIFY!" He stepped forth and 
handed the Queen down the carpeted incline of the 
MAYFLOWER, and approached the gate that com- 
menced to swing open, Christopher Columbus escorting 
Mrs. Cregier; the attendants and followers in the rear 
all receiving the welcome and freedom, salute and 
advance. 

At the same moment, at a given signal, there bursts 
forth music from the finest united band force ever 
attempted — the stirring strains of "'Twas Rank and 
Fame that tempted thee," from Richard Balfe's 
"Rose of Castile," changing to the "Star Spangled 
Banner," and "See, the Conquering Hero comes." 



38 THE GREAT DREAM 

Two magnificently-constructed Towers were on each 
side of the gate, and look-out men, and guns, and 
all modern appliances for speedy communication. 
As soon as the gate commenced to roll, the guns 
were fired and the whole City knew that the Show 
was open, and the cheering was wonderful. Never 
in this or any other generation, can the like be again 
seen or matched; those who saw it will have a deep 
impression, that will never be effaced; and the chil- 
dren, in their old age, will immortalize the scene, and 
always find pleasure in telling of its magnitude. The 
arrangements were simply superb — no jostling, ill- 
feeling, or words. Thousands had stood and occupied 
the stands since the day before, bringing their food 
with them, and they must have been martyrs to 
Patience. But then she was rewarded; yes, indeed, 
she was. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 39 

The gates closed behind the visiting party, and the 
people began to disperse, for the public were told by 
signs that they could not be admitted till next morn- 
ing, the second of May, as a few minor details, yet 
undone, compelled this. 

The request of the Queen, that they might 
reverently, in the vast Auditorium, offer to Him — the 
Ruler of the Universe — united prayers and thankful- 
ness for their miraculous voyage and safe journey to 
Chicago, and the kind and friendly reception, so 
much beyond what they had dared hope for, or antici- 
pate, could not be refused by such a good, Christian 
man as they had found in the Mayor of Chicago! 

"Amen! God bless the Mayor!" was heard, show- 
ing that he had acquiesced in their wishes, and those 
of the people; and so the show was opened. A detailed 
description is here given: 



40 THE GREAT DREAM 

At eight o'clock on the morning of the 2d of 
May, amid the firing of guns and the beating of 
drums the great gate unfolded itself to stay open till 
ten o'clock at night. This was the rule for the week 
except Saturday nights, when it would remain open 
one hour later, in consequence of the great crowds of 
wage-workers that would come on that day, as every 
employer had agreed to close all works at one o'clock 
every Saturday, of every kind of stores and outside 
labor. 

During the Show the business men of Chicago had 
a meeting, and agreed to benefit the working classes 
as much as was in their power. The newspaper men 
said if the Sunday newspaper was printed, it should 
not be sold after ten o'clock, and let all the rest of 
the day place the printers and all engaged in the of- 
fice at libertv. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 41 

"We owe," they said, "all the working public. Help 
toward giving them institutions of a healthy nature, 
and they will appreciate them. We will issue small 
editions only on Mondays with this end in view. 
Thousands and tens of thousands will come and note 
all we shall do, are doing and have done; we will 
put in practice the REFORMS in all their details, 
and get them well learned against the time for the 
mighty gathering of the hosts; and their true and 
matchless work will be understood and ever after re- 
main to commemorate the benefit derived in all ways 
from the Show that first gave rise, or suggested the 
REFORMS so beneficial to weary people in a noble 
city." 

The entrance was a long barrier of turnstiles of 
which there were twelve. There were six similar 
entrances at other points, and as many exits, all 



42 THE GREAT DREAM 

well pointed out by plain signs in every language. 

Tickets were procured up-town, or at offices, along 
the route to the Exhibition and near to the entrances. 
Mounted police stood guard at these places and pa- 
troled all around the Exhibition and thoroughfares 
leading to it. They, with their steeds were very attract- 
ive, and such horse-flesh and blood, caparisoned as 
they were, took every one by surprise; and the re- 
mark, " What a force !" *was heard everywhere. 

Inside the gate was a pile of copies of the piece 
of music, played on the morning before, by the unit\ 
ed bands, when the Queen and the Mayor passed 
through the gate. 

There were 25,000,000 copies, so that one member 
of every family party, at least, could have a memen- 
to of the great event. This memento was free to 
all who chose to take it; and on it was, besides the 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 43 

correct tune, an excellent photograph of the Mayor 
and Queen Isabella. 

To undertake to tell all there was to be seen in 
the grounds would be impossible; all the Journalists in 
America could not do it justice in twelve months. A 
great deal was done and shown on the model system, 
but on a scale large enough to have every detail 
minutely perfect, and young and old all agreed they 
had been to the best school of their lives. 

The huge glass auditoriums were exquisite; the col- 
ored glass and paintings in windows, on sides, and 
domes, were lovely, as the sun shone through them 
and showed off their delicate tints. 

The lawns and flower-gardens were beautifully laid 
out. There was a lake (an inlet from the lake) 
whose water was perfectly clear, and had lots of fish 
in it; and there was the steam yacht, the sailing ves- 



44 THE GREAT DREAM 

sel, the row boat, the ferry. wire and balloon, and at 
the bottom of the water 'was a transparent glass tube 
large enough to walk erect in. It was perfectly dry, 
light, and had all air necessary, the ends of which 
were in a bricked-up room, or vault on each side of 
the lake; and steps and elevator communicated with 
terra firma. This was much patronized by young peo- 
ple, as something new. 

A magnificent structure in the grounds, of immense 
size, and built of wood, but disguised in the shape of 
a big BOOK, was the Mayor's Official Monument. It 
was of six floors — the number of letters in the May- 
or's Motto— "PURIFY!" and each letter blazed in 
large size on each floor. It was on pillars eight 
feet high. The first floor was the Mayor and Conn- 
oilmen's Private and Reception Apartments. The sec- 
ond floor was for the Police and all Official Business 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 45 

connected with the Exhibition. The third floor was 
for the Library and Reading Rooms; the fourth floor 
was for the Young Men's Christian Association, where 
prayers in every tongue went forth daily; the fifth 
floor was for a Model Hospital; the sixth floor was a 
Model School, for Cooking; and the countless num- 
bers of women of doubtful ages that made one con- 
tinuous file into this handsome apartment, showed 
that it was appreciated, if it was near the sky. 

One feature of this building was the modes of getting 
to the different floors. Every mode had been consid 
ered. There was the elevator and the stairway, and an 
outside incline walk, so that those too nervous, or not 
acquainted with the new, fast modes of ascent, might 
walk up, and do it without the inconvenience of losing 
their breath, and without injury to the heart. A look- 
out on the roof, provided with telescopes and glasses to 



46 THE GREAT DREAM 

suit all sights, was reached by a guarded way to prevent 
too many ascending at one time. There was a small 
charge made, to defray expenses attached to it, and also 
for those of floors, numbers three, five, and six. Under- 
neath this structure a cafe did a thriving business. 

As a sort of apology for the Eiffel Tower, (but which, 
in fact, put it quite into the shade,) and called the Isabel- 
la Mountain, was an imitation of High Peak, of the 
Rockies, the base of which spread over acres of ground; 
and beneath it, and partly in the ground, but of less ex- 
tent, was a model of the "Mammoth Cave of Kentucky." 

This mountain rose to the hight of fifteen hundred 
feet, and showed that mineral croppings, jagged quartz, 
ledges, and points glistened in the sunshine. At the 
base was the rough dislodgings of the mountain steeps, 
that time and storm had loosened and caused to roll 
down. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 47 

In one place a sort of deep crevasse showed the snow- 
slide's work of peril and devastation. Float was to be 
seen amongst this debris, and the prospector, with pick 
in hand, was breaking rocks that caught his eye. 

The timber line was capitally shown with the usual 
fir trees in scattered and scanty numbers towards the 
sun, and more dense, facing the Northern and more 
snowy side. 

There were to be seen the glistening bones of native 
animals that had been killed, or had died on the mount- 
ain-side, and there were the trails made by miners, and 
the pack trains that took up the supplies and brought 
down the ore for market, some of which were to be seen 
at work. 

Along these trails were mouths of shafts in prosperity; 
and others abandoned, with their hoisting apparatus, 
trucks, etc., ail idle. 



48 THE GREAT DREAM 

The tops of peaks were white with snow, and the 
usual mountain-water springs from it were to be seen 
below. 

Strong people/who could walk and climb, could trav- 
el these trails for adventure, and good views could be 
had at only moderate hights, by those who could not go 
higher, or did not wish to. Many took their lunches up 
this retreat, and others sketched from it. 

On the top was a gigantic windmill, always going by 
reason of the never-failing currents at this hight. The 
windmill furnished the power for four broad-guage, in- 
clined planes or trams laid from the base to the sum- 
mit of the mountain — of quite a moderate pitch, and so 
controlled that no accident in running away was possi- 
ble; for, the moment the power was checked, or any 
disarrangement of the gearing occurred, the portion of 
track underneath the cars expanded and let all settle, 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 49 

through the little space that intervened beneath the 
track to the mountain-side, perhaps eight or ten inches. 
Such an ingenious method gave everyone courage to try 
it, and the coaches provided, were comfortable and af- 
forded a nice ride and view. 

On the top of the mountain was a tower five hundred 
feet high, and inside elevators of the usual kind, being 
worked by the same wind power, hoisted people to the 
highest look-out, artificially, ever constructed in the 
World — two thousand feet ! 

Some people, on coming down, said that they plainly 
saw the sun shine, on the NORTH POLE ! Others 
claimed that Milwaukee was the extent of their power 
of vision ! Be this as it may, one and all were greatly 
impressed with the ascent to Cloud-land ! 

There were underground passages beneath the build- 
ings and grounds, with openings at convenient points, 



50 THE GEE AT DREAM 

splendidly lighted with electricity. They were to take 
off the pressure of crowds moving to and fro; and there 
were also, substantial and picturesque viaducts for the 
same purpose, and high enough to give good views. 

Some- of the large botanical displays in the grounds 
were better understood from these structures, than on 
the same level, as there the effect was lost by reason of 
their vastness. So these high thoroughfares were much 
used by the lovers of horticulture. Great crowds of 
every Southern country and clime (and they were 
legion), were always to be found here. 

The display of wild and tame flowers, shrubs, and 
plants were doubtless a great surprise, as well as the 
skill of procuring and arranging in so tasteful a man- 
ner. 

Then there was the vegetable and fruit display; the 
cereals, tobacco, rice, flax, cotton, and all the products 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 51 

under this head, with the peanut, and the cranberry 
swamp, were just as interesting as well as astounding; 
and the silk-worm industry, the ostrich farm, and the 
incubatory, were gazed at with intense interest. 

There was, also, a new process for making silks by 
science and art, with good prospects of the little, dili- 
gent worms being given a recess, if not fewer hours of 
labor. A stuffed buffalo told too plainly of the to-be- 
deplored, wanton extermination. But all the rest of the 
feathered and four-footed tribes, seemed to show up 
well. 

The display of fire brigades and paraphernalia, and 
all kinds of water-power and wind-power were immense. 
It seemed as though the latter had rather the best of it. 

One illustration under this head, was a mechanical in- 
vention combining great power, with a want of only 
small space in which to work. It was a machine appli- 



52 THE GREAT DREAM 

cable to any dwelling or building of many floors, that 
needed commodities on each, as coal, etc., and hoisting 
safes, baggage, and, in fact, anything having regard to 
special fixings, according to the nature thereof. It was 
on the ship-winch principle; and the power furnished by 
wind on the roof or by water-tank if the house was so 
provided. The water not being wasted or injured in 
any way, the wind gear could be attached when needed, 
by a simple device. 

In the case of coal, a box-tubing reaching to the alley, 
down the side of the building, containing a revolving 
belt, with rests or cups, and running into a chest where 
it was fed by a teamster unloading his wagon, he hav- 
ing first notified the purchaser to set the machine in mo- 
tion. Another similar chest for receiving the coal 
was placed on each floor when needed. 

Steam power was a great interest, and the crowd here 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 53 

was always large. Each device and kind was well- 
studied by interested, delighted and skilled artisans and 
amateurs alike. 

The laundry department was interesting. Here China 
John had his chance, but ingenuity has caught him 
napping, and John's novel "Squirt" that "used to was," 
is now discounted in the "Melican" laundries." 

The devices here were overwhelming in their intricate, 
yet effectual simplicity, and all was perfect — proving 
that a clean collar was good for, and within the reach 
of every man — and other garments, too. 

Then there was every kind of bath, at every temper- 
ature, and all kinds of water from all parts of the Earth 
and Sky; for rain water was there for those that pre- 
ferred it. New designs of baths and rooms, and furni- 
ture of the same and divers kinds of water and earth 
closets. 



54 THE GREAT DREAM 

Large fountains were found playing in all parts of the 
grounds, surrounded by different sized basins of water, 
some full of gold-fish, and some had pearls, coral, 
sponges, and sun-fish to be seen at the bottoms. 

There were buildings of every description, design, and 
shape. Those having designs for stores in part, or 
whole of the building, had them occupied by parties 
wishing to display their goods and methods of doing 
business. 

There were grand ones from all over the UNIVERSE ! 
But the home establishments led by many lengths; and 
as a proof that it was without partiality the "Profess- 
ors" who dressed the windows and rooms were engaged 
at fabulous prices, by visiting proprietors who zealously 
worked the Board of Trade "RACKET," to procure 
such talent for their establishments. 

The well-known house of "C. Jevne," for delicacies 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 55 

and various eatables, lost its six Professors in this way 
— two going to New York! (just think of it !) one to 
San Francisco, one to Melbourne, Australia, one to Con- 
stantinople, and one to Alexandria, in Egypt. 

The Marshall Field establishment lost five Professed 
gentlemen in this line, and one lady — the latter and one 
gentleman going — "Oh, horror of horrors ," to St. Louis! 
but as a stipulation in the bargain of compensation, it 
was agreed that in the building to which they went 
there should be a never-failing supply of fresh Wauke- 
sha water! and this being coupled with a fat stipend, 
The grief of their comrades was materially lessened, and 
their own repugnance relieved. 

The other four gentlemen went to Calcutta, Timbuc- 
too, London and Auckland respectively. 

The miscellaneous display of E. J. Lehmann, compris- 
ing everything North and South of the Equator, did not 



56 THE GREAT DREAM 

fail to come under the approval of all, and so lost his 
Professors, as did the others, five ladies and three gen- 
tlemen going to the Argentine Republic, Boston, To- 
ronto, Seattle, and City of Mexico, in the ease of the 
former; and Rome, Paris and Vienna, in the case of the 
latter; so that, in this one enterprise alone, the term of 
"Liberty enlightening the World," was verified and 
witnessed. 

There was the dwelling peculiar to every land in 
shape, taste and material; and they were composed 
of every conceivable commodity known, but the rarer 
the commodity the smaller the scale on which it was 
built, paper, straw, shells, minerals, etc., and all kinds 
of wood that grows, and stone, and marble, and the 
material under that head. 

One building constructed of sections of cable wire 
soon came to be known as the "Yerkes House." 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 57 

There was one of corn cobs, one of claws and beaks 
of animals and birds of prey. These buildings were 
quite a study in every way, and instructive. 

Then there was the Asylum, Court House, Church, 
School House, Hotel and Theatre, both ancient and 
modern represented. Here was a magnificent display 
in the special department, from Manitoba and Brit- 
ish Columbia,, and Alaska — all three presenting won- 
ders of their respective latitude on land and water; 
and they were a study in themselves, and one of the 
most interesting in the Exhibition. 

Sailing vessels and steam ships were elaborate in 
detail, and the Home part of it plainly showed 
that if Uncle Sam had been in the rear in sea-faring 
industries, he would take front rank now, and the 
employing and depending on foreign help for ocean 
transportation was a past feature in United States 



58 THE GREAT DREAM 

Rule and Policy ■; and he would now go it alone, do 
his own work, and keep his own dollars on the Home 
side. 

The different Mechanisms applicable for speed and 
extra size of vessels in all departments was grand,, 
while new devices for life boats, life preservers, and 
for casting oil on the troubled waves, and remedies 
for dispelling unpleasant symptoms, peculiar to nov- 
ices of ocean travel, were numerous and had their 
several advantages and characteristics plainly given. 

Here we had the balloon, showing its usefulness,, 
and how to be controlled under any circumstances. 
There was one adapted with special device for send- 
ing a small man in it, with a rope, intended to save 
the wrecked mariner, so that connection was made 
sure with the land or life boat; and also a calculator 
of distances, to determine the power required to send 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 59 

the machine the necessary distance when firing the 
propelling charge. 

The show of live stock was magnificent, and their 
quarters were fit for a king's palace; so clean and hav- 
ing no disagreeable smell of shed, pen, or stable; 
and every beast looked the picture of comfoit, except- 
ing a few pigs and steers that seemed to be suffer- 
ing from asthma by reason of their fatness. 

The noble horses, too, that were there from the racer 
to the heavy draft — were just superb in their gay trim- 
mings. 

The poultry show was grand, and some kinds of 
fowls went to bed earlier than others. 

The dog show and the cat show were too cute, and 
made lots of fun for the little ones. 

Inside of the large building, filled with fancy exhibits 
from all countries, were fountains of scented waters^ 



60 THE GREAT DREAM 

each of different fragrance, which was added to distin- 
guish the waters. They were brought from twenty dif- 
ferent noted rivers of the World. 

These specimens of water were from the Seine, St. 
Lawrence, Euphrates, Murray, Frazer, Jordan, Congo, 
Columbia, Tagus, Colorado, Vistula, Tay, Rhine, Missis- 
sippi, Thames, Ganges, Nile, Liffey, Amazon, and Hud- 
son; and beautiful they looked, having decorations suit- 
ed to their several latitudes and surroundings. 

There was a piece of ground, slightly elevated, where 
was erected a rotunda and band stand, and seats for 
weary pedestrians. It was always full, and it was inter- 
esting to see the different kinds of pipes and tobacco 
used, and to hear the various languages spoken. It 
made one ask himself, "What must Babel have been 
like?" 

The display of all kinds was very large. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 61 

In the Chinese portion there were several very inter- 
esting exhibits, as well as in that of Japan. Some of 
these fellows thought they would corral a few "Melican" 
dollars anyhow; so they had an exhibit representing a 
China Mummy > fixed somewhat different from the 
Egyptian, of course, but still the shapeless sort of form 
was there reclining horizontally, and, excepting a slight 
elevation where the head was supposed to be, it looked 
as though perfectly encased in its wrappings. 

They claimed a process of keeping him forever and 
ever, and said that they intended to do so, he being a 
chief amongst them; and yet they claimed to do noth- 
ing to him more than to make the first application on 
the day of his death, ten years previously. 

A contrivance for showing the top of the head and 
the soles of the feet, to substantiate the alleged 
preservation which they claimed, was removed from 



62 THE GREAT DREAM 

the ends of the figure, and replaced with consumate 
skill; and apparently it proved all that they claimed 
to the crowds who were bound to see so wonderful 
a preservation *of the human body after death! The 
enterprising Japs or Chinese were just coining money, 
until one day a chap up from St. Louis was taking 
in the Show, and being a tall, lithe sort of a fellow, 
and brimfull of curiosity, reached over and touched 
the Mummy, and put his hand on the head, when 
one finger went in! but being in a hot and eager 
discussion with his comrades — that even Missouri 
did not contain anything half so marvelous — he 
failed to notice it. All at once such a yell as only 
a St. Louis man can make when he is in earnest, 
startled that part of the building. To make the 
account short, the Mummy was alive — a disguised 
Chinaman! The St. Louis man's hand had shut off 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 63 

John's wind supply. His finger being in the mouth 
of the Chinaman, he had the choice of becoming a 
real Mummy or bite, and he bit. 

The house-furnishing department was the couch of 
,all nations, on the coverlid of which was beautifully 
scaled a map of the country which it represented, 
with flags, colors and insignia; and truly the models 
of seeking comfort in slumber was various; and in 
some it was difficult to see where the comfort came 
in. 

The ancient traveling methods, showing from time 
to time the advancement of vehicles and the power 
of locomotion, were displayed, and the kind of bag- 
gage carried by those traveling. Some of them were 
in striking contrast with the modern Saratogas or 
The Gladstone Bag. 

The Diamond Hitch of the present day, adopted in 



64 THE GREAT DREAM 

the mountain packing regions, proved to be the same as 
that used by Joseph's brethren, when they went to 
Egypt to buy corn — only that the modern mule is 
more mulish, and the driver is less discreet! 

The ancient girth covered the whole of the belly 
of the animal. There was, consequently, no streak of 
pressure from a narrow strap or rope. The benefit 
to the animal seems obvious. The exhibit of saddles 
and bridles was great; a moderation in the horn of 
the former and the check rein of the latter was con- 
spicuous, and the saddle-tree was of new design; the 
rider and ridden both being considered. 

There was a show of suspenders, novelties indeed, 
for durability, comfort and aid to the exhausted 
wearer; for they could be charged with electricity 
at will, " collapsed" at noon and at six o'clock, and 
never broke the buttons off the garments supported. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 65 

They warranted a long career to baggage-men, pedes- 
trians, and men of severely-tried avocations . 

The musical instrument gallery was just too lovely 
and gorgeous, but all was sladly marred by too many 
instruments playing at the same time. Rival houses, 
who had hired the "fastest player on record (of 
course) and warranted to produce more music from 
less oetaves of the piano or organ board, than any 
other living artist, made things lively. And then 
there was the sweet flutist, oboeist, harpist, violinist, 
banjoist, piccolist, celloist, and all the other "ists," 
each doing his or her best to earn their wages, and 
do up the vile impositions that each represented as 
being worse than his own, which, of course, they in 
exalted terms endeavored to impress upon them that 
were weak enough to halt and listen. Well, to sum 
up, it was just so much noise and the technicalities of 



6$ THE GREAT DREAM 

a pig-pen, at supper time could just as well Lave 
been observed! We think musical instruments ought 
to be separated — (the kinds at least)— and some to be 
placed for guests (comparatively in private) to try 
and test, etc., and not to be thumped by those ap- 
pearing to have noise in their eye, as the only re- 
quirement after patronage. How could the good qual- 
ities of a Steinway or Erard, and others, (and there 
are good ones) be brought to bear on the visitor, 
when all around is concertina, harmonium, brass of 
all descriptions, and mouth organs, and fiddles, drums, 
and triangles at all pitches and in all keys, and different 
airs if any at all? Why, the result can not but be 
unsatisfactory, and I think fit medicine to hasten 
lunacy unadulterated! 

There was every form of music conceivable — sheet, 
book, manuscript, and methods for teaching and 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 67 

committing to memory. Hence it will be common to 
hear dreams sung in character to the edification and 
amusement of those within hearing, and whole operas 
rehearsed in somnambulistic form without the walking! 
Time.s will, indeed, be gay in the "sweet by and by! 

There was a beautiful Temple where Orchestral 
Music was always to be heard, executed by the best 
societies of the World; also Organ Recitals on 
mammoth instrument quite out of sight, yet the 
performer was visible to his audience. This instru- 
ment had mechanical methods of producing sound 
and other designs, making a combination the most 
novel of modern times, and a marked step in organ 
history. 

Choral societies, vocalists and instrumentalists, soli 
and concerted, all competed here for fame and med- 
als of beauty, conducted by their own leaders and 



68 THE GREAT DREAM 

trainers, and the juvenile genius was remarkable. 

The place seated fifteen thousand people comforta- 
bly, and was unsurpassed for accoustical properties; 
was always full. A charge of twenty-five cents was 
made to any part of the building. It was built long, 
with round ends and oval roof, the beauty of which 
was worth the money to see. 

The performers were in the middle, and the seats 
rose from the floor-level to the roof all around and 
the whole place was delightfully cool in summer. 

One day of each week noted speakers of the World, 
and qualified, aspiring debutants occupied the beauti- 
ful place. 

The subjects were varied in character embracing 
Science, Warfare, Literary Topics, Navigation, Medi 
cine, Religion, Chemistry, Stage, City Government, 
etc.; and on this particular day six spoke during one 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 69 

hour, each — M. Pasteur, Sir Edwin Arnold, Frances 
Willard, Tragedian Salvini, Prince Bismarck, and 
Gen Crook, recently from the wilds of the West. 
Here took place in plain view, the most difficult 
and hazardous operations for all nations to witness — 
the advancement made in surgery in the New world — 
showing how assiduously the practitioners in this line 
of art had applied themselves, and how thorough 
their search for knowledge had been, and still their 
cry was: 

"Oh, where shall wisdom be found?" 
"Oh, where is the place of understanding?" 
"Why," they said, "here is the place!" and they 
unanimously bowed at Chicago's Shrine. 

If there was the slightest feeling of restraint or 
tinge of immodesty, it melted before the cause, and 
the impressive magnitude surrounding it! The 



70 THE GREAT DREAM 

Heroic Patients were all volunteers, yet, grasped at 
the last straw, like all of Nature's created beings, but 
loyal and hoping at least that a spark of enlighten- 
ment might fly, as it were, from his or her difficulty 
and be Immortalized, perhaps, after death — (if Fate 
so decreed) — in strong contrast with the comparative 
obscurity while living. And then the thought: 

It is a part of CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR re- 
moved any wave of trouble, and left a peaceful res- 
ignation within the breast! 

There were beautiful sketches of the best views of 
every part of this Continent, of large size; also of 
different tribes of Indians, their peculiar modes of 
life and their relics, etc., faithfully portrayed; also 
every industry of this country, the customs of the 
people employed, their dress, style of living, etc.; 
and all surroundings were detailed splendidly and all 



AND ITS SOLUTION 7 1 

particulars given by qualified and attentive guides 
and interpreters, and it seemed appreciated as much 
as any part of the exhibition. 

A foreign display of bells and bell ringing in the 
old and also in the modern style, was grand; and a 
handsome tower one hundred and eighty feet in hight, 
containing a peal of eight heavy bells, had on its 
walls printed invitations for any body of men lik- 
ing to try them. The heaviest bell weighed forty- 
four thousand pounds, and when it struck with full- 
swinging force, it was heard North and South, East 
and West. 

It was said that such a peal in or near NEW 
YORK, together with the heavy guns fired in Chicago 
on this occasion, would have been fatal to the glass 
structures of the Exhibition, and even outside, near 
dwellings, as the lay of the country did not admit 



72 THE GREAT DREAM 

of the escape of large volumes of sound like these! 
and in the same way applied to ST. LOUIS ! 

If anything like this had injured the beautiful 
stained glass, it would have been simply to make all 
feel sad; for nothing like it had ever been seen. 
Even PARIS and NAPLES bowed before it as un- 
surpassable, and visitors thought they were on the 
road to Heaven by the way of Chicago, and with 
the Mayor as guide! 

The display of all kinds was very large and well- 
arranged, and space for every country was abundant. 
Each had its different kind of Store, Cafe, Instruction 
Room, Art Gallery, Residence, Church, Theater, Street 
Scenes; and the different persons to be met in them, 
with all furnishings and goods in detail, so that the 
visitor could be in France for an hour, and then step 
into Italy, or Australia, or Hindostan. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. ^3 

The street scene of Madras was superb, and the old 
surroundings of Mecca and St. Petersburgh were very- 
striking. Displays of armor and the old battle im- 
plements were of interest, and the new torpedo guns 
and the latest war devices for killing adversaries were 
displayed. 

All the different kinds of timber peculiar to this 
Continent was astonishing, and the size of some in 
certain parts still more so. 

There was a log from California, used as a cafe, 
that was equal to any sized place of the kind in the 
city! 

Another of immense length from Tacoma, was fit- 
ted as an arcade, and innumerable booths occupied by 
venders of every nation, peddled their respective curi- 
osities as mementos of the FAIR. 

Even our natives were astounded at so many dif- 



74 THE GREAT DREAM 

ferent trees that they had never heard of. A depart- 
ment of interesting Model Views, and which were 
worked by mechanism, ingenious and unique, were 
those showing the different modes of administering 
justice and punishment since the first arrival of the 
"MAYFLOWER" down to the present REIGN of 
MAYOR CREGIER! 

The different styles of apparel and raiment, with 
their ancient fixings and fastenings, and foot-and- 
head-gear, also, arranged on wax figures, worked as 
aforesaid and with dates attached. 

There was the Noah's Ark of this continent, and 
specimens of every Ante-diluvian biped, quadruped, 
and creeping thing, and fish heard of, discovered, or 
found in fossil form, skeleton, or petrified. 

The advance from time to time in printing books 
and newspapers was interesting, both as to the mat- 



AND ITS SOLUTION. ?5 

ter and size. The school paraphernalia, with the 
branches taught, the discipline exercised, and the type 
of teacher and manipulator of the Magic Wand, sup- 
posed to be so conducive to develope the brain in 
the good old past and gone, was capital; and many 
a Master and Miss were seen riveted, as it were, to 
the scene that formed so prominent a place in the 
memoirs of their Forefathers, and which, no doubt, 
could be introduced effectually with discretion at the 
present time. 

The same agencies were applied to the figures rep- 
resenting the ancient and the modern minister, and 
the places in which they exercised their callings, 
They were very odd and of many types. 

One indefatigable pastor and shepherd of ancient 
date, in his log meeting-house, and with his congre- 
gation in many garbs, was too funny for anything, 



76 THE GREAT DREAM 

yet honesty and faithful devotion to his work were 
plainly sticking right out of his angular frame. And 
then "The village musicians," five in number, raised 
their pieces and furnished the chord that all were 
to unite with, and show their appreciation, of the 
discourse they had listened to, and electrifiy those 
that had not listened but had slumbered and slept — 
a habit as ancient as it is modern. 

The arrangements for refreshments were elaborate 
and ample, supplies being brought in and refuse taken 
out by private sub-ways for the purpose; so that 
nothing was seen above ground or outside of the 
cafes themselves; and they were kept in superb or- 
der and gave satisfaction. One party had the sole 
right of grounds and license, and, no doubt, this was 
a good arrangement, as it preserved a uniformity and 
was under one government. 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 77 

The ice contract for this one enterprise alone reached 
away into the millions, and this article was used un- 
sparingly. 

The display of printing plants, heating apparatus, 
and conservatory appliances was very fine, and had 
some novel additions. 

The dairy products and furniture, the farm-house 
economic methods and their competing devices, were 
good. 

*The railroads had displays in safety signals and 
brakes, and had pockets hung out with reminders 
printed thereon, to the effect that, if the good public 
would assist them in their poverty, they would lay 
down double tracks, and would never let freight 
trains and passenger trains travel on the same tracks! 

The new and latest improved depot and Pullman 
car were there, and always attracted visitors to in- 



IS THE GREAT DREAM 

spect each beauty. Everything under the sun 
was there to be looked at — nothing being for- 
gotten — and all in its entirety, every design imagi- 
nable, producing every article in want, and also 
those not so necessary, was to be seen in 
the "NICKEL IN THE SLOT" machines; and 
some designs were of much merit and originated 
plainly from native ingenuity. 

The firing of the guns at ten o'clock, p. m., on 
Saturday night told that two hours sufficed for the 
clearing of the gigantic show for a DAY OF REST. 

All were very glad, for they had a day to ponder 
over what they had seen; to seek other edifying pur- 
suits; to sleep or do whatever they felt would do the 
most good. And the employes and attendants, were 
also heartily congratulated for their chance of rest, 
as one and all agreed that never were the right 



AND ITS SOLUTION. *79 

persons in the right places before as they were here; 
nor did a body of people deserve more praise for 
their good manners and wish to please everybody. 

Many were the comments and remarks heard on 
Monday upon the ways provided to give all a chance 
to spend their Sunday to their taste. 

"What did you think of Dr. Thomas or Professor 
Swing?" 

This question was propounded of the above promi- 
nent divines, and also of many other well-known, 
preachers from far and near, who had occupied the 
different pulpits and platforms of the city churches, 
and the halls and theaters. 

Every place in the entire city where people could 
congregate, was occupied either by a preacher or lect- 
urer of substantial reputation and in A^arious languages. 

There were large out-door meetings, at one of which 



80 THE GREAT DREAM 

was heard the Bishop of London; at another Stanley, 
the African Congo River Explorer addressed a mul- 
titude; at another John V. Harwell was attentively 
listened to, and fine singing was a great feature in 
this meeting; at another gathering on the Lake Front, 
Lord Lonsdale, who recently traveled in the Arctic 
Regions, gave his experiences and answered numerous 
inquiries before a large but orderly crowd. All these 
speeches, lectures, and sermons appeared in print the 
next day, and were eagerly bought. 

The reporters were hard worked about this time, 
and went to church more regularly than at any other 
time since their childhood. 

The hotel men rose to the occasion. In the morn- 
ing invitation was given to any guest in the house 
competent to speak, and a quartette party sung. In 
the evening standard works were performed in an able 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 81 

manner. As an instance on this particular Sabbath even- 
ing in this DREAM, Potter Palmer, esq., provided in the 
Rotunda of his Palatial Hostelry "Handel's Acis and 
Galatea," and nobly it was sung too. The guests all 
dreamed that night of "Love in Her eyes Sits Play- 
ing." "The Grand Pacific" gave a fine rendering of 
Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise." 

The Tremont House" gave Beethoven's "Mount of 
Olives," sung by the Bostonian Company staying in 
the House. 

The "Sherman" had "Mozart's Twelfth Mass." 
The "Leland" produced Sullivan's "Prodigal Son." 
The "Clifton gave to their guests Sterndale Ben- 
nett's "Women of Samaria." 

The Richelieu guests all went to church, or to the 
Auditorium where Whitelaw Reid and Minister Lin- 
coln representing France and England, respectively, 



82 THE GREAT DREAM 

addressed appropriately a large audience, and Professor 
Eddy "made the mighty organ speak as only he can." 
In the chorus, "He Gave Them Hailstones," and the 
whole closed with the mighty throng singing, "My 
Country, 'Tis of Thee." 

Many a fine lady of wealth and position went with 
her husband to the Hospitals and visited the sick, and 
sought out the poor of the city; and when night came 
they were, with those entertained at home, ready to 
say— 

" Early to bed, early to rise," 
for the unfolding of the gate leading to 

THE WONDER OF THE PRESENT AGE ! 

There was a sign at the entrance in eight different 
languages, to the effect that any steel carried on the 
person, through the turnstiles, would be highly danger- 
ous to the wearer having it, by reason of the powerful 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 83 

magnets there, and inside of the buildings and grounds, 
acting in such a way, as never to fail to produce dan- 
ger or death. 

The consequence was such a handing over of revolv- 
ers, bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, assagias, razors, 
javelins and pocket-knives, never was seen before. The 
pile was a sight, and many were the sidelong glances 
cast at it by the police patrols and the mounted force, 
who had hung high, in conspicuous size, framed pla- 
cards, with supposed likenesses of Willie Tascott and 
Jack the Ripper, with the amounts offered for their 
places of abode or capture. 

There was a fine model of a fashionable gambling 
house, with all its paraphernalia in detail, and a game 
In progress, with its usual exciting influences, when a 
raid by the police takes place, with consternating effect, 
as the gainers and losers have all suddenly found them- 



84 THE GREAT DREAM 

selves in the same "soup," and compelled to ride at the 
same rate. 

Another scene representing a nicely fitted-up estab- 
lishment, and in bold, gilt type appeared these words: 
"Hankins' Home" (for incurable gamblers, worn-out 
dealers, and decayed hangers-on, etc.), and they were 
in clover, indeed; for its sign read that all inmates, 
having produced the required passport necessary to 

become one, would be cared for the remaining days of 
their existence in the flesh. 

The amazed foreigners thought this was a glorious 
country. "How different," they said, "from our 'Monte 
Carlo,' where the poor, unfortunate losers had to resort 
to cold lead to find a way out of this unfriendly w r orld!" 

The Undertakers' display suggested nothing, simply 
because of the good habits that, under the new CRE- 
GIER REFORM, had become contagious; and the 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 85 

drop of DR. BROWN-SEQUARD'S ELIXIR OF 
LIFE, fell on one and all as they passed the portal 
entrances; and so there was nothing for them to do. 

There were drinking fountains for man and beast, in 
plenty ; and everywhere there were clocks having four 
faces which struck the quarters and hours. 

None but honest five-cent cigars were sold during the 
entire summer, and no fish stories, reflecting on Lake 
Michigan, were tolerated. The Babel and myriads of 
tongues asking questions at the various enquiry rooms, 
was startling and confusing; but the well-drilled inter- 
preters and assistants, placed here by the committees, 
overcame the obstacles, and praise was expressed on 
all sides for their dilligent efforts to please and satisfy 
everybody. 

Well, time wore on, the thirty-first day of October 
came, and the Show closed. 



86 THE GREAT DREAM 

The City of Chicago was well paid for her efforts, 
but the financial part was as nothing compared with 
the great good produced among all classes and things 
in and around the city, by the GREAT REFORMS 
now learned so well, and appreciated by the inhab- 
itants; and all the visitors, going back to homes in 
cities, less well governed than Chicago (and not pos- 
sessing her instructive, edifying and comfortable Sun- 
day Institutions,— 

"FREE TO ALL— DENIED TO NONE!" 
where the laborer and mechanic can meet to discuss 
self-interests, read and smoke, listen to music or elo- 
quence, study art and science in their several warm 
departments, not forgetting the libraries), dropped a 
silent tear, yet felt thankful, that those who had 
worked so hard and done so much to keep up the 
record of their people and country, would have it, and 



AND ITS SOLUTION. 87 

were deserving of it; and so felt relieved and grati- 
fied with all they had seen, and the good management 
of the railroads transported all the visitors away with- 
out a hitch or accident of any kind; and the arrange- 
ments all the summer had been grandly carried out, 
for thousands were touring the entire Continent the 
whole time. 

And now Adieu! MY DREAM is over, and I hope 
what I saw will be as good to you, My Readers, as 
I felt it had been to me, when I awoke. 

FAREWELL ! 



